Express Building Steam

Stefan Bonneau watches from the top of the key as DeAndre drops two points against light coverage by Mississauga. Photo by Ian Shalapata.

Darren Duncan drops a jumper over top of William Harris during the NBL quarter final match between Windsor and Mississauga at the WFCU Arena on 5 March 2014. Photo by Ian Shalapata.

By Ian Shalapata

(WINDSOR, ON) – Mississauga started strong, for the second night in a row, in their NBL quarter final match-up against the Windsor Express last night at the WFCU Arena. However, as the previous evening, Windsor emerged victorious, this time by a score of 110-97. The Power took the game to Windsor, finishing the 1st quarter with a 1-point lead. But then the Express took over the lead and finally running away with 9-point 4th quarter for a 13-point spread.

For the second straight night, Darren Duncan scored a double-double the hard way, dropping 19 points and dishing off 11 assists. Windsor’s point guard out of Merrimack also made 4 steals and was 5 for 6 from the penalty line.

Windsor’s 6’ 8” centre from Chicago, DeAndre Thomas, threw down a double-double as well. Thomas shot 11 points and pulled down 11 boards in just 18 minutes on the hardwood. The Express also received double digit scoring from Quinnel Brown and Chris Commons with 18 points each, and Stefan Bonneau who dropped a team high 25.

That was the difference between Windsor and Mississauga. While the Express was able to spread the scoring around, including 28 points from the bench, the Power relied heavily on just three players for 72% of the team’s scoring.

Windsor now takes a commanding 2-0 lead in the best of five quarter final round. The two teams play for the third time in as many nights when they tip off in Mississauga.

The winner of this series will meet the winner of the London-Brampton match-up. London currently leads 1-0.

Mind your head. Mississauga’s Daryl McCoy (21) targeted Chris Commons’ head while the ball is nowhere is sight. Commons was injured on the play and his substitute, Eric Parker, found himself on the hardwood just after coming on the court. Both Commons and Parker returned to play while McCoy only saw 3 minutes. Photo by Ian Shalapata.

About the Author

Ian writes for and provides imagery to Square Media Group as well as accepting freelance photographic assignments. In addition, he has contributed to media organizations, sporting groups, and individuals across North America including the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, Chatham-Kent Sports Network, the Golf Association of Michigan, League 1 Ontario, as well as numerous colleges and universities in Canada and the United States.
Email Ian Shalapata